So, if you’re like me, you might find yourself with an abundance of items in your home and a need for some extra cash. Traditional methods of selling your stuff might spring to mind: placing an ad in local newspapers (although, does anyone really use papers for this anymore?), organizing a garage sale, or resorting to online platforms like Craigslist or eBay.
In my experience, the latter two options yield better results. Still, I’ve noticed a decline in response rates on Craigslist, especially for listings of baby and toddler items that are no longer needed. As for eBay, despite my preference for it, the fees and time consumed while packaging items and queuing up at the post office can be frustrating. Here in our local post office, you have to line up for parcel weight verification, regardless of pre-paying postage at home.
However, there are some lesser-known yet highly effective selling options you might want to consider. Facebook groups, for instance. But not just any group; find one that gathers people interested in the type of items you want to sell. Take me for an example, I accumulated a significant collection of novels and short storybooks during my university years. These books may not sell well in garage sales, but since deciding to homeschool, I’ve joined homeschool curriculum swap groups on Facebook. These groups are inundated with families seeking books, so it’s a prime marketplace for my collection.
Additionally, I frequently purchase clothes for my children from Gymboree at knockdown prices and sell them on eBay after they’ve outgrown them. But, I’ve discovered a Facebook group solely for buying and selling Gymboree clothes. This year, my plan is to use this group to evade eBay fees. Regardless of what you’re selling, consider searching for related keywords on Facebook. You may stumble upon a group perfect for selling your items. However, if the group isn’t largely a selling platform, ensure that selling articles isn’t prohibited according to the group rules.
Local email lists are another great option. I was recently informed by a friend that there is a daily circulated email list for mothers in our area, which includes items they wish to sell. Surprisingly, the successes of my product listings on the mom’s email list outweigh those on Craigslist. Plus, the turnover is typically within 24 hours. A piece of advice is to inquire within your network if they know any similar lists. If one is available or you decide to start one yourself, you’d probably discover a splendid marketplace for your items.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to cash in on items you no longer need, consider these uncharted territories—Facebook groups provide not only a platform for sale but also an interested audience, leading to quicker transactions. So, why not give these new-age options a try?
